20 Easy Upside-Down Cake Recipes

Claudia has been writing recipes online for more than 6 years. She enjoys coming up with unique and tasty dishes, especially sweet treats.

20 Upside Down Cake Recipes | Source

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5 stars from 8 ratings of Upside-Down Cake Recipes

Am I the only person who is reminded of their grandmother when I eat a piece of pineapple upside-down cake? It's just one of those desserts that takes me back to summer afternoons at her kitchen table.

An upside-down cake is a simple treat that is just like it sounds. First, melted butter and brown sugar are placed on the bottom of a cake pan. Fruit is then placed on top of the sugar, either in a pattern, or randomly. Finally, the cake batter is put on top. The whole thing gets baked and when done, flipped upside down onto a serving plate.

The result is a delicious, moist, fruit covered cake which is pretty awesome. Add some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and it's over the top awesome.

What a lot of people don't know is that upside-down cakes can be made with almost any fruit or fruit combination.

Why not shake things up a little bit and try one of these 20 variations the next time you feel like making this classic cake.

Plum Upside Down Cake | Source

If you have a favorite upside-down cake fruit combination, I'd love to know what it is. Let me know in the comments section.

You'll find the basic cake batter recipe below. This is the batter that should be used for all of the fruit combinations. Following the recipe are the 20 different variations. At the end of the article you'll find step by step photos.

Cook time

Prep time: 20 min

Cook time: 45 min

Ready in: 1 hour 5 min

Yields: 8 servings

Basic Upside-Down Cake Batter Recipe

1/4 cup (1/2 a stick) butter

2/3 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup shortening

3/4 cup milk

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg, large

Fruit, enough to cover bottom of pan

Hint

When turning the cake out onto a serving platter, use one that is bigger than the cake pan or the juices will pour out over the sides.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° (325° for dark pans).

Melt butter in a 10" round cake pan.

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.

Lay out fruit in your desired pattern. The fruit should be one layer thick covering the bottom of the pan.

Using your mixer, blend the flour, sugar, shortening, milk, baking powder, salt and egg together until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes on high.

Pour the batter over the fruit, using care not to disturb the fruit.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out cleanly. Remove from the oven. Run a knife around the edge of the pan and turn the pan over onto a platter right away. Careful, it's hot! Leave the pan on top of the cake for about 3 minutes, than carefully remove it. I always hold my breath at this stage, but the cake usually comes right out.

Comments

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AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

2 years ago

Thank you Valene - The plum upside down cake really is delicious. I hope you enjoyed it!

Valene

2 years agofrom Missouri

Oh my gosh, I've got to try the plum upside down cake! I love cooked plums (I even love prune juice), so that sounds like heaven!

Kristen Howe

3 years agofrom Northeast Ohio

You're very welcome Glimmer! I would have to try that one first. You too!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

3 years ago

Thanks Kristen! These are all good, but my favorite is the Apricot Almond, unfortunately, apricots aren't always easy to find. Hope you give one a try and I appreciate the vote and the comments! Hope you enjoying your weekend.

Kristen Howe

3 years agofrom Northeast Ohio

Great cake recipes, Glimmer! Very useful to make a variety of upside-down cakes, all year long. Voted up!

facetube

3 years ago

Like ocean of incredible taste. Cake and fruits. Just amazing.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

3 years ago

Thanks so much BWD316 and your combo of berries sounds delicious. I love the summer months when the fruit is so delicious. Enjoy your cake and thanks for the kind comments.

Brian Dooling

3 years agofrom Connecticut

LOVE this list! There's an upside down cake for every season of the year. I might have to take some of my backyard blueberries, blackberries or raspberries and make one of these cakes this summer! Excellent hub and fantastic photographs.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

peachpurple - That is a good question, and I don't know the answer although I would guess that it is ok to reduce the amount of brown sugar. You won't get as much caramel like sauce and it may stick a bit more. If you try it I'd love to hear how it turns out. Enjoy and thanks for reading and commenting.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi poetryman - Understood about the pear and rhubarb. The fun thing about this list is all of the different options. Thanks for the vote and I hope you make your own version. That's what is so fun about this cake. Have a great day!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

What a nice memory Peggy. I think a lot of people associate upside down cakes with good memories. The nice thing about these is they add a little bit of an updated twist, although I'll eat pineapple upside down cake anytime. Thank you so much for the sharing around. I really appreciate and hope you make one of these soon!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi Rebecca - Wow! Thanks for saying that about my pictures. I'm really enjoying taking them. Now, if I could only talk to Southern Living... I hope you give one of these a try, they really are good and nice for the spring. I'm thinking I might make one for Easter. Nice fresh fruit for the spring. Thanks again for reading and commenting. Hope you are well.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Nice to see you again pstraubie - I haven't been on HP as much lately because of various things. I think this would be a wonderful addition to a church coffee hour and the apricot almond one out of this world. Also a little different so people will like it. Thank you for your support and for the Angels! They are always appreciated.

poetryman6969

4 years ago

No pear or rhubarb for me but most of the rest sounds delicious!

Not sure about papaya. Love mangoes.

Voted up for being tasty!

Peggy Woods

4 years agofrom Houston, Texas

I remember my mother making pineapple upside down cake in a cast iron skillet and quite often my dad would be there to help her turn it over and onto a platter. It was so good in my memory! I love your variations especially the apricot almond one but some of the others sound great as well. Beautiful photography! Will definitely pin this to my cakes board and thanks for sharing this with us. I will share it as well. :)

Rebecca Mealey

4 years agofrom Northeastern Georgia, USA

Glimmer, you make these look easy...and so,so delicious. You should be a food photographer for Southern Living magazine, I'm serious.

Patricia Scott

4 years agofrom sunny Florida

What a collection!!! Apricot Almond ??? Wow and yum. I know that everyone at church will be thrilled with these ....we have breakfast each month and on the other Sundays we have coffee hour...so now I know what to take every time. Moist tender upside down cakes are always a hit.

Thanks Glimmer Twin Fan...sorry I have not visited so much..lots been going on like it is with us all...

Have a wonderful Wednesday

Angels are on the way to you this morning Voted up++++ shared and pinned to Awesome HubPages ps

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thanks for all of the support techygran! I have not made that one a a little while and now that you mention it, I think I might this weekend. It is so so good. Glad you enjoyed the recipes. Enjoy your cake and I appreciate all of the kind comments!

Cynthia

4 years agofrom Vancouver Island, Canada

oh, I go for the apricot almond upside down cake! Thank you for this splendid set of recipes-- I could probably eventually come to the same realization, but it lovely to have all these options set out for me. I think I might experiment with a GF cake mix (how lazy I am these days). I love your photos! Voted up...etc. ~Cynthia

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Mmmm - I could go for a piece of apple upside down cake right now. You should definitely try the apricot one, it really is good. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy Baking!

vespawoolf

4 years agofrom Peru, South America

I baked an apple upside down cake yesterday afternoon, so this caught my eye. They are such a classic dessert. The apricot almond upside down cake looks amazing! I just love apricots. I should be able to find them in the market this month, so I´ll try this soon. I thought the lemon upside down cake sounded interesting, and one I wouldn´t have thought of. Thank you for all this useful information!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi LisaKeating - I use Fotor and I have a Mac. It is great for what I need, but do wish it had a few more options. It's free, so that is an added bonus!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

DealForALiving - That's a tough one, but personally, plum almost always wins out. It's one of my favorite fruits. Glad you are going to try this one. Enjoy!

LisaKeating

4 years ago

Glimmer, What program do you use to create your collage picture?

Sam Deal

4 years agofrom Earth

I'm conflicted because I can't decide between the mango or the plum to start with. If I'm lucky I'll get to try all of them!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thanks BNadyn - Upside down cakes seem to be one of those old fashioned desserts that people don't always remember when baking something. That apricot one was really good. Enjoy your cake!

Bernadyn

4 years agofrom Jacksonville, Florida

I haven't had this cake in years since but now I want some. I've never tried making it myself but I want to try one of these with the other fruit, maybe rhubarb, apricot or mango. Pinning this and the pictures look great, too!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi steffsings - I think a little rum and coconut would be wonderful in a few of these variations, especially the mango one. I'd be curious to know how it turns out. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thanks so much for the support MsDora. I hope you've been able to give one of these cakes a try. Glad you enjoyed the hub.

steffsings

4 years agofrom Pacific NorthWest

Yummy article. I am considering adding a little rum and toasted coconut. Can't wait to try these some of these varieties.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thank you aviannovice. I appreciate it.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi KoffeeKlatch Gals - I'm glad you like the different varieties. There is definitely one for everyone, unless they don't like fruit cakes. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Dora Weithers

4 years agofrom The Caribbean

I did myself an injustice by looking at your pictures late at night. It was bad enough reading that mango and papaya (with my Caribbean tastebuds) will make good upside down recipes. Thanks for sharing your excellent, creative ideas. Voted Up and will definitely share.

Deb Hirt

4 years agofrom Stillwater, OK

These are all wonderful recipes. Thanks for sharing.

Susan Hazelton

4 years agofrom Sunny Florida

I love the variety of flavors that you can choose for your upside down cake. You have made it a cake for all people. Looks delicious.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi RealHousewife - Upside down cakes really are the best! I think almost any type of fruit in a cake rocks and we can always say we are eating somewhat healthy. Sort of... Thanks for stopping by and reading.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Michelle - Thanks so much for your nice comment! I really appreciate all of your support.

Kelly Umphenour

4 years agofrom St. Louis, MO

I LOVE Upside-Down cakes...they are perfect for breakfast , lunch or dinner. (you know that's my style)! I make the Pineapple and last time I tried Peach and it was wonderful! Now you've got me thinking.....

Michelle Liew

4 years agofrom Singapore

You constantly amaze, Glim!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi Thelma - So glad you liked this compilation of recipes. Let me know which one you decide to try. Thanks for the votes and pin.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thanks so much for the shares randomcreative! I hope you give one of these versions a try. They really are good, but then I'm partial too them. Have a great day!

Thelma Alberts

4 years agofrom Germany and Philippines

I have only made upside down pineapple and upside down apple cake. This recipe hub is a must bake for me the sooner the better. Reading this made my mouth water. Yum!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing. Voted this up and pinned for later use.

Rose Clearfield

4 years agofrom Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I've only had upside down pineapple cake and would love to try other varieties! Thanks for putting together this awesome resource.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi Bill - I have been having a great weekend with great weather. I bet you could give this a shot and impress your whole family. They really are good, especially on a summer afternoon. Thanks for always reading and commenting. I appreciate it.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

FlourishAnyway - You definitely can't go wrong with the blueberry one. I just finished ours off today. Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks for reading and commenting.

Bill De Giulio

4 years agofrom Massachusetts

Hi Glimmer. Looks so easy that perhaps even I could give this a shot :). Wonderful hub with easy to follow directions and great photos to compliment the text. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend.

FlourishAnyway

4 years agofrom USA

Oh, yum! Blueberry has my name on it! Voted up and more, and pinning. Plus trying this weekend!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi Suzanne - Glad I am making you hungry. Not sure what time it is in Australia, but it's always a good time to make a cake. Thanks for the support and share.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Your comments are so nice AliciaC. Thank you. I like the variations too. And honestly, it's easy to make up any other ones too. I've already thought of some more that I will be adding to the list!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thanks Nell - I like sponge cakes too. This cake has a denser texture than sponge cakes. Glad this hub has inspired you to make another cake! Cakes are always fun to make.

Suzanne Day

4 years agofrom Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Mmmm, you are making me hungry with all of these delicious photos! Thank you for letting me know it is an easy recipe, I think that's why I hadn't made an upside down cake before. I'm looking forward to potentially making a mixed berry or orange one soon. Voted awesome and pinned!

Linda Crampton

4 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

These sound like delicious cakes, Glimmer, and as usual your photos are beautiful! I love all the variations of the recipe. Thanks for sharing the necessary adjustment for each variation, too.

Nell Rose

4 years agofrom England

Oh yum and triple yum! lol! this brought back memories, I used to make my sponge cakes with the fruit ages ago! I made one nearly every week, what happened? lol! this is great! and its got me started on making some more too, wonderful!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thank you for the kind comments CyberShelley. Upside down cakes really do invoke memories for many people. Glad you like these alternatives and I appreciate you stopping by.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thanks so much Patricia. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and will give one a try. Let me know how you like it.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

travmaj - The apricot almond is a lovely combination that is lovely with an afternoon cup of tea. I hope you give one a try. Thanks for reading and commenting.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi teaches! Oh you will love this cake. So wonderful with all of the fresh fruits available now. I am partial to the apricot almond, but they are all good. Let me know which one you make and how you like it. Have a great 4th!

Shelley Watson

4 years ago

I too loved my aunts upside down pineapple cake as a girl. So thank you for supplying these wonderful ideas - you cooking articles are always so beautifully set out and a joy to look at.

Trish Thompson

4 years agofrom Cincinnati, Ohio

I have never thought of this idea! You are genius! I am going to try every one of these then Iam going to experiment!

travmaj

4 years agofrom australia

Oh yum, I just love the look at the apricot/almond version. I want it now!

Don't attempt much cake baking these days but may have to rethink. Thank you for this recipe.

Dianna Mendez

4 years ago

I should not have looked in on this so late at night. I am now so wanting one of these! I promise you that I will make one of these this week! Your first photo had me drooling.

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Thanks so much missolive! I appreciate all of the shares and support! It means a lot. Enjoy your cake.

Marisa Hammond Olivares

4 years agofrom Texas

oh my goodness! Yum! This has been pinned, tweeted and sent via G+. These look fantastic!

AUTHOR

Claudia Mitchell

4 years ago

Hi Bill - I am well, just not real active at HP right now. I'm always ready to try a new recipe though. Glad you liked this one and thanks for stopping by. Have a great 4th!

Bill Holland

4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

The craft articles are not really up my alley, but eating? I'm all over this article with both feet and a fork. :) Thank you and I hope all is well with you my friend.

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